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Rheumatology
Rheumatologists treat joints, muscles and autoimmune conditions — arthritis, gout, lupus and inflammatory disease.
Conditions treated
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Lupus (SLE)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
Common symptoms
Tests & procedures
Conditions we cover in Rheumatology
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Gout
- Lupus (SLE)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Vasculitis
- Scleroderma
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Reactive Arthritis
- Juvenile Arthritis
When to see a doctor urgently
- A hot, red, swollen joint with fever — urgent (possible infection)
- Joint pain with prolonged morning stiffness
- Joint pain with a rash or feeling very unwell
- Persistent joint pain not improving
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear, worse with use; rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune, symmetrical, with long morning stiffness. Blood tests help tell them apart.
What blood tests are used in rheumatology?
Inflammation markers (CRP, ESR), uric acid for gout, and autoimmune tests like RA factor, anti-CCP and ANA — read alongside your symptoms.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.